[CPProt.net] Durham's ancient monuments under threat, warns English Heritage

[MSN CPPnet (Ton Cremers)]

Durham's ancient monuments under threat, warns English Heritage

Publisher:  Ian Morgan 
Published: 2005-10-20 16:09:18 

Fly-tipping, vandalism and unauthorised metal detecting are damaging
vulnerable ancient monuments in Durham.

As part of a new national initiative, English Heritage has joined forces
with Durham Police to highlight potential threats to the region's important
scheduled monuments and to improve their protection.

Monuments are protected by law but can still be vulnerable because of
unauthorised works, that is works without the benefit of scheduled monument
consent.

Problems areas include:

Corbridge (Corstopitum) Roman Station - illegal metal detecting in the
arable fields around the English Heritage site. 
Eston Moor, on the outskirts of Middlesbrough - vandalism including fly
tipping, fire setting and motorbike and 4x4 off road vehicles damaging
earthworks. 
Bearpark, on the outskirts of Durham city - vandalism including removal of
building stone, fly tipping, fire setting and graffiti.
Kate Wilson, Inspector of Ancient Monuments for English Heritage North East,
said: "It is vital that we work together to safeguard and protect these
hugely important heritage sites so that they can be preserved for future
generations to enjoy and learn from. "

Kate Wilson is working with Inspector Graham Rankin of Durham Police, to
ensure that the police have named liaison officers in the force who have
specialist knowledge about the relevant legislation. 

She has also introduced a group of wildlife liaison officers to the 1979
Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act that covers this area of
illegal activity.

Chief Inspector Graham Rankin of Durham Police, said: "By building a closer
relationship with English Heritage, we can reduce the number of incidents of
damage to scheduled monuments and, where necessary, secure convictions
against those responsible for the damage.

"This is yet another area where Durham Constabulary in its multi-agency
approach has formed a relationship with an outside organisation in its ever
increasing role to reduce crime and the fear of crime."

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